RRoad Clarity

GermanyvsLuxembourg

Germany and Luxembourg share a land border — here's how their driving rules differ, side by side.

VERIFIED 2026-07-29 & 2026-07-29 · METHODOLOGY
RULEGermanyLuxembourg
Driving sideDrives on the rightDrives on the right
Urban speed limit50 km/h50 km/h
Rural speed limit100 km/h90 km/h
Motorway speed limitNo general limit90 km/h
Alcohol limit (general)0.5‰0.5‰
Alcohol limit (novice)0.0‰0.2‰
Mandatory equipmentWarning triangle, Hi-vis vest, First aid kitWarning triangle, Hi-vis vest
TollsNo general tollNo general toll
HeadlightsNot generally mandatory for cars in daylight, but recommended in poor visibility and required in tunnels; motorcycles must run headlights at all times.Not generally mandatory in daylight outside tunnels; recommended in poor visibility.
Winter tires / chainsWinter tires (marked with the Alpine/3PMSF symbol) are required whenever roads have snow, ice, slush, or frost — there's no fixed calendar season, the requirement is condition-based ("situative Winterreifenpflicht"). Driving on summer tires in wintry conditions can bring a fine and points.Winter tires (or equivalent) are required whenever winter conditions are present (snow, ice, slush) — condition-based rather than a fixed calendar window.
Low-emission / restricted zonesMany cities have an "Umweltzone" (environmental zone) requiring a green Umweltplakette sticker; some cities add separate diesel restrictions.No low-emission zone network currently in place.
Child seatsChildren under 12 and shorter than 150 cm must use an approved child restraint system.Children under 135 cm must use an approved child restraint suited to their height and weight.
Mobile phone useHolding a phone while driving is prohibited; hands-free use is permitted.Hands-free only; holding a phone while driving is prohibited.
CurrencyEUREUR
Emergency number112112